Hopefully, those who are planning on traveling have already booked flights. You should do it as soon as possible if you haven't already done so.

We haven't seen much relief as autumn has set in after crowds filled airports throughout the spring and summer. Last Friday was the busiest day of the year for airports in the United States. It would seem to be an indicator of what we can expect in the lead up to Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

This would also.

The airports took to social media to let passengers know that the parking lots were full. The alert was put out by New York's LaGuardia Airport on the weekend.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport encouraged travelers to have a backup plan if there was no parking.

It happened on an average weekend without a major holiday. Airport parking has been a challenge as travel has increased.

Imagine what it will be like when the largest crowds of the year come to the airport.

Once you have booked your flights, there is another step you need to take to make your travel experience as smooth as possible.

Thanksgiving crowd at Miami International Airport (MIA) in 2021. JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES

Tip: Book your airport holiday parking now

It is possible that you will have trouble finding a parking space if you are going to the airport.

You can sign up for our newsletter.

Passengers are urged to book their parking spaces in advance. If we do it all, we usually do it a day or two before we go.

You can make your parking reservations much later in the game. Why are you waiting? Book your parking now if you have already booked your flights or are about to.

A packed parking lot in July 2022 at Raleigh/Durham International Airport (RDU). SEAN CUDAHY/THE POINTS GUY

The airport is located in Los Angeles, California. You can input the day or time you will arrive at the airport on the parking reservations page on the airport's website. Select which terminal you want to use.

The arrival and departure dates were plugged in.

FLYLAX.COM

I found a lot of parking options, from economy to valet to other parking near each terminal.

FLYLAX.COM

I was assured that I would have a parking space even on a busy holiday weekend after ITrademarkiaTrademarkiaTrademarkiaTrademarkiaTrademarkiaTrademarkiaTrademarkia,TrademarkiaTrademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia,Trademarkia

Booking in advance can save you money, too

If you book your parking and pay in advance you can often save money. Booking and paying for the highest-end parking options in advance will save you the most.

You can check out the savings at the airport. If I was arriving at the airport on Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving and returning on the Sunday after the holiday, I could get covered parking for less than the airport's advertised "drive-up" rate.

LAGUARDIAAIRPORT.COM

It will save you $130 or 40%. It's cheaper to park in the economy parking.

When paying for parking in advance, you can save money.

DFWAIRPORT.COM

You need to check the specific terms of your airport and parking reservation to make sure you can make changes in the event of a flight delay or cancellation. You can change at many airports.

Bottom line

If you want to make a flight during the busy holiday travel season, you don't want to have to drive in circles for 20 minutes looking for an airport parking space.

If you know that you will be flying and driving to the airport, then you should lock in your parking spot now. You don't have to think about it until you pull up to the terminal If you pay now, you can save money.

You can read more.